Fall Break Art Camps Accepting Applications
Spark your child’s creativity at First Night Monterey’s Art Camps! Designed for kids in second to eighth grades, our camps use the arts to inspire imagination, build confidence, and develop creative skills in a safe, fun, and non-competitive setting.
No prior experience required—just curiosity and enthusiasm. With age-appropriate instruction in a real art studio, children paint, draw, and create with a wide range of materials while learning, exploring, and having a blast. It’s the perfect place for young artists to discover, experiment, and express themselves.
Fall Break Session for MPUSD is October 5–8 and for PGUSD and CUSD is October 12–15. Both are available as 2-day or 4-day sessions. SIGN UP NOW - SPACE IS LIMITED!
Call for Artists First Night Monterey 2027
First Night Monterey 2027 on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026 will be our 34th Annual Community Celebration of the Arts on New Year’s Eve!
First Night Monterey invites artists, performers, musicians, dancers, visual artists, and community arts groups to apply.
This year’s theme "Color the Night" celebrates creativity, joy, imagination, and the power of the arts to bring our community together. First Night Monterey is a family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration featuring performances, art activities, cultural traditions, and creative experiences throughout downtown Monterey.
We are seeking a wide variety of artists and performers to help create a vibrant and memorable evening for residents, visitors, families, and people of all ages. Artists interested in participating are invited to submit an application for consideration. Apply now to be part of Color the Night!
Action options available: Apply or Read more.
CSUMB Student Designs for FNM 2027!
CSUMB students have submitted their posters for judging with the theme "Color the Night!"
First Night Monterey staff collaborates closely with CSUMB's Service Learning class, which provides students with valuable hands-on experience in publication design while contributing to the promotion and success of First Night Monterey's annual event.
This year's winner is Amanda Richman. Amanda is a Communication Design major with a concentration in Visual Design at CSUMB. Amanda grew up in Davis, CA, where her passion for art and love of nature blossomed. She enjoys exploring her local ecosystem, hanging out with her cat, and embracing the whimsical side of things.
Action option: Read more.
Hands of Unity: A Community Kindness Project
Our Hands of Unity: A Community Kindness Art Project is growing throughout Monterey County! This year, First Night Monterey will host a variety of community workshops where participants can create handprints, share messages of kindness, and help build large-scale movable murals celebrating compassion, connection, and belonging.
Whether you'd like to participate, volunteer, or help create the murals, we'd love to have you involved. Please email us at info@firstnightmonterey.org to keep you informed!
